Firearm laser sight alignment assembly

ABSTRACT

A firearm laser sight alignment assembly includes a laser module for emitting a beam along an optical axis, the laser module having an outer seat. The alignment assembly encompasses a resilient grommet mechanically engaging the outer seat in a first adhesive free interference fit. The grommet includes an external seat sized to form adhesive free interferences fits with a laser cover and the housing, as the laser cover engages the housing to retain the grommet with respect to the housing and the laser cover. Upon operable assembly, the interference fits substantially preclude axial and longitudinal movement between the grommet and the laser module as well as the grommet and the laser cover and housing, while allowing angular movement of the laser module to a desired alignment position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a continuation of U.S. Patent application Ser. No.13/245,309, filed Sep. 26, 2011, the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING”

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure generally relates to sights for firearms andparticularly to laser sights for firearms, and more particularly to afirearm laser sight alignment assembly.

2. Description of Related Art

Laser sighting devices for firearms have been used for a number ofyears. Laser sighting devices use a laser to assist in sighting thefirearm. However, as the laser beam will follow an effectively straightline, and the bullet will follow a ballistic trajectory so that, despitea high muzzle velocity, at long distances the trajectory of the bulletwill deviate significantly from the straight line. Also, the laser sightmust be mounted to the firearm, which means that the laser beam cannotpropagate concentric with the barrel. Consequently, it is necessary toaim the laser sight so that, for a given distance, the beam willilluminate the target with a spot at the position where the bullet willbe after traveling that distance. The vertical setting of the laser beamis known as “elevation” and the lateral adjustment of the beam is knownas “windage.”

Prior patents have been directed to the adjustment of a laser sight.U.S. Pat. No. 5,784,823 to Chen discloses a laser centrally mounted in asemi-spherical fixture which is disposed in a casing. The laser ispositioned in the casing by rotation of the fixture therein, and held atthe desired angle by frictional force. U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,898 toThummel discloses a laser module disposed within a housing adapted to bemounted on a firearm, wherein the back of the laser module is seated inthe back of the housing and orthogonal set screws are positioned to movethe front of the module to set the elevation and windage. U.S. Pat. No.5,253,443 to Baikrich discloses a laser sighting device having a lasermodule disposed in a housing and seated against the back of the housing,wherein the front of the module is moved laterally by longitudinallymoving cam members having threads which engage axially rotatable ringsdisposed around the housing.

However, these prior devices require a significant number of components.The large number of components adds complexity in manufacturing andinventory. In addition, the large number of parts, each having anassociated tolerance, creates alignment issues with respect to bothmanufacture and use of the product.

Therefore, the need exists for an alignment system for a firearm lasersight, wherein the number of components is reduced, thereby providingmore efficient manufacture. The need further exists for an alignmentsystem that can accommodate manufacturing tolerances of the componentsto provide a ready and reproducible alignment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a firearm laser sight assembly having ahousing engaging a portion of the firearm and a laser module foremitting a beam along an optical axis, the laser module has an outsidesurface, wherein the outside surface includes an outer seat. Theassembly further includes a resilient grommet mechanically engaging theouter seat in a first adhesive free interference fit, wherein thegrommet includes an external seat. A laser cover engages the housing toretain the grommet with respect to the housing and the laser cover,wherein each of the laser cover and the housing form a second adhesivefree interference fit with the external seat of the grommet tosubstantially preclude axial and longitudinal movement between thegrommet and the laser module.

In one configuration, the laser cover and the housing dispose the lasermodule in a predetermined non aligned orientation relative to thefirearm or the housing. The housing can include a first bore having afirst longitudinal axis intersecting the laser module, wherein the firstbore includes a non-threaded portion and a first threaded alignment pin.

In forming the interference fits, the outer seat of the laser module caninclude at least two contact faces to form the correspondinginterference fits with corresponding facets on an internal seat of thegrommet.

In a further construction, a laser sight assembly includes a lasermodule for emitting a beam along an optical axis; a housing retainingthe laser module; a resilient coupling engaging a portion of the lasermodule in an adhesive free first interference fit to retain laser withrespect to coupling; and a laser cover engaging the housing to retainthe resilient coupling with respect to the housing and the laser cover,wherein a second adhesive free interference fit is formed between theresilient coupling and at least one of the laser cover and the housing.

The coupling can be configured as a grommet, wherein the couplingincludes an external seat and the laser cover includes a socket sized toform a portion of the second interference fit with the coupling.

A method is provided for forming a laser sight assembly for a firearm,by disposing a resilient coupling about a laser module to form a firstadhesive free interference between the coupling and the laser module;and engaging a laser cover with a housing to locate a portion of thelaser module and the coupling intermediate the laser cover and thehousing and form a second adhesive free interference fit between thecoupling and at least one of the laser cover and the housing.

In one method, engaging the laser cover with the housing disposes thelaser module in a non aligned orientation with respect to a nominalalignment position. It is contemplated the non aligned orientation ispredetermined.

The method can further provide that the first interference fit and thesecond interference fit operably preclude longitudinal and axialmovement of the laser module relative to the resilient coupling andhousing. Also, the first interference fit and the second interferencefit operably can permit angular movement of the laser module relative tothe resilient coupling and the housing.

A spring can contact the laser module to urge the laser module to a nonaligned orientation with respect to a nominal alignment position.

The present assembly can be used with a firearm having a frame, a barrelportion and a trigger guard, wherein the assembly includes a housing forengaging a portion of the trigger guard, the housing having a lasermodule retaining portion forward of the trigger guard and below thebarrel portion; a laser module in the laser module retaining portion ofthe housing, the laser module for emitting a beam along an optical axis;and a switch moveable relative to the housing between an actuatingposition and an off position, the switch being disposed in the lasermodule retaining portion of the housing and having a width.

In one construction, the switch is sized to be accessible from opposingsides of the housing. Thus, the switch can be sized to be accessiblefrom a left and a right side of the firearm. It is also contemplated atleast one of, and in certain constructions each of, the frame, thebarrel portion and the trigger guard is free of a mounting rail.Alternatively, the housing can be free of a mounting rail, such as aWeaver or Picatinny rail. In a further configuration, the switch can belocated forward of the trigger and below the barrel, without requiringthe housing to engage a mounting rail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laser sight having an alignmentassembly, wherein the laser sight is connected to a firearm.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the laser sight having the alignmentassembly.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the alignment assembly of FIG. 2, takenalong line 3A-3A.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the alignment assembly of FIG. 2, takenalong line 3B-3B.

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the alignment assembly of FIG. 2, takenalong line 3C-3C.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the alignment assembly with a portion ofthe housing removed.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the alignment assembly of FIG. 2, havingthe laser cover removed.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the alignment assembly of FIG. 2, havingthe laser cover and the coupling removed.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the alignment assembly of FIG. 2, havingthe laser cover, the coupling and the laser module removed.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a right half of the housing.

FIG. 9 is a right side elevation view of the right housing half of FIG.8.

FIG. 10 is a left side elevation view of the right housing half of FIG.8.

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the right housing half of FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 is a rear elevation view of the right housing half of FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 13-13 of the righthousing half of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 14-14 of the righthousing half of FIG. 9.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a left half of the housing.

FIG. 16 is a right side elevation view of the left housing half of FIG.15.

FIG. 17 is a left side elevation view of the left housing half of FIG.15.

FIG. 18 is a front elevation view of the left housing half of FIG. 15.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the laser module with connected circuitboard.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of the laser module.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a portion of the switch.

FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of the coupling.

FIG. 23 is a cross section view taken along line 23-23 of the couplingof FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a front elevation view of the coupling of FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is a left side elevation view of the laser cover.

FIG. 26 is a right side elevation view of the laser cover of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a rear elevation view of the laser cover of FIG. 25.

FIG. 28 is a bottom plan view of the laser cover of FIG. 25.

FIG. 29 is a cross section view taken along line 29-29 of FIG. 26.

FIG. 30 is a cross section view taken along line 30-30 of FIG. 29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, the present firearm laser sight alignment assembly20 is embodied in a laser sight 22 shown operably engaged with a firearm10.

Although the firearm 10 is shown as a hand gun, it is understood thealignment assembly 20 is not limited to use with handguns, but can beemployed with any pistol, gun, or rifle that selectively launches aprojectile, whether by compressed gas, combustion or electromagneticactuation. Further, although the assembly 20 is shown in conjunctionwith a firearm that does not have any mounting rail, it is understoodthe assembly can be employed with laser sight 22 that engages a mountingrail. The assembly 20 is not limited by the particular laser sight ormechanism for engaging the firearm 10.

The firearm 10 includes in relevant part a barrel 12, a frame 14, and atrigger guard 16. Although the alignment assembly 20 is shown asengaging the trigger guard 16 of the firearm 10, it is understood thealignment assembly can be cooperatively engaged with any portion of thefirearm.

For purposes of description, the term “longitudinal” means thedimensions along the direction of the barrel 12. The term “width” meansthe dimension along a direction transverse to the axis of the barrel 12.The term “axial” means in a direction transverse to the axis of thebarrel 12. The term “forward” means nearer to or towards a muzzle 13.The term “rearward” means further from or away from the muzzle 13. Theterm “below” means lower than, in the intended operating orientation ofthe firearm 10. The term “above” means higher than, in the intendedoperating orientation of the firearm 10. The term “preclude movement”means to prevent movement which would otherwise prevent functioning inan intended manner. The term “angular” means rotating about at least oneof the longitudinal and axial directions.

The alignment assembly 20 includes a housing 30, a laser module 60, aresilient coupling 90 and a laser cover 120.

The housing 30 retains the laser module 60, the coupling 90 and thelaser cover 120. In one configuration, the housing 30 is formed ofmating halves (30 a, 30 b). However, it is understood the housing 30 canbe formed as a single integral component or from a multitude ofinterconnected components. It has been found satisfactory to injectionmold the housing 30 out of an elastomer such as a glass-filled nylon andparticularly a nylon 6.6 compound reinforced with 33% glass fiber;suitable for processing by injection molding, wherein the material islubricated for ease of mold release.

The housing 30 includes at least one and in some configurations, twoalignment pins 32, 34. The alignment pins 32, 34 are moveable relativeto the housing 30 to contact the laser module 60. As seen in FIGS. 1, 3,and 7, the alignment pins 32, 34 can be perpendicular to each other,wherein one pin provides for movement of the laser module 60 forelevation control and movement of the remaining pin provides for windagecontrol.

In one configuration, the alignment pins 32, 34 are threadingly engagedwith the housing in corresponding through holes 33, 35. The throughholes 33, 35 are sized so that the alignment pins cut at least a portionof corresponding threads in the housing 30. Thus, upon initialengagement of the alignment pins 32, 34 with the corresponding throughholes 33, 35 the alignment pins cut the threads in the housing 30. It isunderstood a portion of each through hole 33, 35 may be formed withthreads and a remaining of the through holes is formed without threads,such that the threads are formed in the remaining portion by initialengagement of the alignment pins 32, 34.

As seen in FIGS. 7 and 10, the housing 30 includes a socket 42 sized tocooperatively engage a portion of the coupling 90 in an interferencefit. In one configuration, the socket 42 is formed in one of the halvesof the housing 30. However, it is understood the socket 42 can be formedby any of a variety of constructions which provide the interference fitwith the coupling 90. The socket 42 includes at least one, and can havetwo generally planar mating surfaces 44, 46 that incline with respect tocorresponding surfaces of the coupling 90. In one configuration, thesocket 42 of the housing 30 has the first mating surface 44 inclinedtoward the muzzle 13 and the second mating surface 46 inclined away fromthe muzzle.

The laser module 60 includes a laser for selectively emitting a beam ofradiation, such as coherent radiation, along an optical axis. In oneconfiguration, the laser module 60 includes an outer seat 64 in the formof an annular ridge. The outer seat 64 includes a pair of contact faces66, 68, wherein the faces are non-parallel. As set forth in connectionwith the description of the coupling 90, it is understood the outer seat64 can be arranged as a groove or recess, at least partially defined bythe pair of contact faces 66, 68. As with the socket 42 in the housing30, the contact faces 66, 68 of the outer seat 64 of the laser module 60can be oppositely inclined with respect to the longitudinal dimension.

Depending on the construction of the laser module 60 and the housing 30,at least one of the laser module 60 and the housing 30 can include alens or window 70 through which the laser module can project, whereinthe lens can function to provide a contained environment for the lasermodule as well as provide optical manipulation of the passing beam, suchas focusing or polarization.

It is understood that the laser module 60 is a commercially availableassembly and is operably connected to a power supply 72 and a controlboard 74 shown in FIGS. 4-7 and 19. A satisfactory laser 60 moduleincludes a red laser at 650 nm with an output power of 3.5 to 4.8 mWwhen powered by 3 volt lithium battery. It is understood the laser inthe laser module 60 can be any of a variety of lasers such as, but notlimited to infrared lasers, lasers emitting at 532 nm; 635 nm or 850 nm.The power supply 72 can be any of a variety of commercially availablebatteries, either rechargeable or disposable.

In one configuration, the control board 74 is also commerciallyavailable and sold in conjunction with the laser module 60. The controlboard 74 is connected to the power supply 72 and includes a switch 76for selectively operating or supplying the laser module 60 with power.The switch 76 can include or be connected to an arm 78 that isaccessible outside of the housing 3. Thus, for the housing 30 engaging aportion of the trigger guard 16 of the firearm 10, the switch 76 islocated longitudinally intermediate the muzzle 13 and the trigger guardand below the barrel 12 of the firearm 10. Further, the switch 76 isdisposed outside of the periphery of the trigger guard 16 and forward ofthe trigger guard.

In addition, the switch 76 can be configured such that the switch ismoveable from a center, off, position to a left or a right on position.Therefore, in the center off position a portion of the switch 76 isaccessible to each of the left and right sides of the housing 30—byvirtue of the construction of the housing, such as by associateddepressions or recesses 31 as seen FIGS. 1-3 and the sizing of the arm78. The switch 76 can therefore be actuated by the user through contactfrom either side of the housing 30, thus providing non-handed actuation.That is, an outside surface of the housing 30 can include recesses,depressions or dimples 31 adjacent to the switch 76 so that the switchis moveable relative to the housing while at least initially being withthe width of the housing.

Further, the arm 78 can be sized so that the dimension of the switchtransverse to the barrel 12 is no greater than the width of the firearm10 or frame 14. Thus, if the firearm 10 is holstered such that the sidesof the firearm contact a holster, the arm 78 being dimensioned to bewithin the width of the firearm 10 or frame 14 does not contact theholster and thus minimizes unintended operation of the sight 22. Forexample, for use with the Ruger LCP having a frame width ofapproximately 0.82 inches, the arm 78 would have a dimension along thetransverse direction of approximately 0.74 inches, or less. Therefore,in the off (centered) position of the arm 78, the arm lies within thewidth of the frame 14 or the firearm 10.

The coupling 90 cooperative engages the laser module 60 to form a lasermodule/coupling subassembly. As seen in FIG. 23, the coupling 90includes an internal seat 92 for engaging the laser module 60 and anexternal seat 102 for engaging the housing 30 and the laser cover 120.

The internal seat 92 can include facets 94, 96 for contacting thecontact faces 66, 68 of the outer seat 64 of the laser module 60 suchthat an interference fit is formed between the coupling 90 and the lasermodule.

The term interference fit means a fit between mating assembled surfaces(parts) that provides an interference and a deviation from nominaldimensions in at least one of the mating surfaces. The interference fitis sufficient to preclude relative longitudinal or axial movementbetween the coupling 90 and the laser module 60 (or the coupling and thehousing 30 or laser cover 120). In one configuration, the interferencefit incorporates the contact of two non-parallel generally planarsurfaces, such as along a line of contact.

Referring to FIGS. 22-24, the external seat 102 of the coupling 90includes at least one facet 104 for forming an interference fit with atleast one of the housing 30 and the laser cover 120. In oneconfiguration, the external seat 102 includes a pair of facets 104, 106for engaging the housing 30 and laser cover 120.

In one configuration, the engagement of the coupling 90 and the lasermodule 60 is free of adhesive. That is, the interface between thecomponents is without an outside substance that causes the parts to beheld closely or firmly.

The coupling 90 can be referred to as a grommet, ring or collarextending about the laser module 60. In certain of these configurations,the coupling 90 has a substantially uniform cross section. However, itis contemplated the coupling 90 can include a non uniform cross section,wherein selected portions of the coupling are sized to contact the lasermodule 60, the laser cover 120 and the housing 30.

For example, the coupling 90 can be formed to define inwardly projectingtabs or teeth, wherein the outer seat 64 of the laser module 60 includescorresponding recesses to capture the tabs, thereby retaining thecoupling relative to the laser module in the desired degree ofretention.

A satisfactory material of the coupling 90 provides for a resilient butdeformable shape. An available material for the coupling 90 isSantoprene®, a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) sold by Exxon Mobile. TheTPV is believed to be a mixture of in-situ cross linking of EPDM rubberand polypropylene. Santoprene® 101-64 with a 69 durometer has been foundsatisfactory for the coupling 90.

The laser cover 120 contacts the coupling 90 as the coupling is engagedwith the laser module 60 to retain the laser module relative to thehousing 30. Although the laser cover 120 is shown as a separatecomponent than the housing halves 30, it is understood the structure andfunction of the laser cover can be accomplished by a structured housinghalf or other component for engaging the housing.

As seen in FIGS. 26, 27, and 29, the laser cover 120 includes a socket122 sized to cooperatively engage a portion of the coupling 90 in aninterference fit. In one configuration, the socket 122 is formed inlaser cover 120 to engage the external seat 102 of the coupling 90 in aninterference fit. The socket 122 includes at least one, and in selectedconfigurations two inclined surfaces 124, 126 for contacting the facets104, 106 of the coupling 90 in the interference fit, as shown in FIGS.3B and 3C.

The laser cover 120 further includes a capture recess 138 for retaininga bias member 140, such as a coil spring, to contact the laser module60.

In one configuration, the engagement of the coupling 90 and the lasercover 120 is free of adhesive.

The laser cover 120 and the housing 30 include corresponding aperturesand the housing includes threaded (or threadable) recesses forcooperatively engaging the laser cover and the housing. Althoughthreaded connection is shown in the Figures, it is understood anyavailable mechanical fastening could be employed, such as snap fit,press fit or friction fit.

Further, in one configuration the connection of the laser cover 120 tothe housing 30 is defined by contacting stop surfaces on the housing andthe laser cover 36, 136, respectively. That is, the laser cover 120 andthe housing 30 are engaged, such as threaded together, to retain thelaser module/coupling subassembly until the stop surfaces contact 36,136. Thus, any deviation from nominal in the laser module/couplingsubassembly does not vary the engagement of the laser cover 120 and thehousing 30.

The sockets 42, 122 of the housing 30 and the laser cover 120 areconfigured, such that upon engagement of the laser cover and the housingto retain the laser module/coupling subassembly, the laser module 60 isdisposed in a predetermined nonaligned orientation. That is, the lasermodule 60 is initially aligned in a predetermined orientation that isnot an intended operating orientation. For example, if the laser modulewere operated upon initial engagement between the housing 30 and thelaser cover 120, the projected beam would always be in the same quadrantrelative to the longitudinal axis.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3A and 3C, the remaining half 30 b of the housing30 is then connected to encapsulate the laser module 60, the coupling 90and the laser cover 120.

In construction the alignment assembly 20, the coupling 90 is connectedto the laser module 60 by virtue of the interference fit between theouter seat 64 of the laser module 60 and the internal seat 92 of thecoupling 90. The connection of the coupling 90 and the laser module 60is operably achieved without requiring or employing any adhesives.

The coupling 90 is then located within the socket 42 of the housing 30,and the laser cover 120 is engaged with the housing to dispose thecoupling within the socket 122 of the laser cover 120. The laser module60 is thus disposed in the predetermined non aligned orientation withrespect to a nominal aligned position.

The laser module 60 can then be readily brought to a nominal alignmentposition by moving the alignment pins 32, 34 in a known direction (asthe non alignment position is known). Further, as the non alignedposition is known, the amount of movement of the respective alignmentpin 32, 34 is generally known, and thus adjustment to the nominalalignment is readily accomplished. It is understood that there may be ade minimis amount of translation of the laser module 60 along thelongitudinal or axial direction relative to the coupling 90, the housing30 or the laser cover 120 during angular movement of the laser module.However, any such translation is merely a residual effect of the angularmovement (rotation) of the laser module about at least one oflongitudinal or axial directions. Thus, in one configuration, the lasermodule 60 pivots about a point that is within the dimension of thecoupling 90 as the coupling extends along the longitudinal direction. Ina further configuration, the laser module 60 pivots about a point thatis within the volume defined by the coupling 90 (the volume including avolume of a through hole in the coupling for receiving the laser module.

The resiliency of the coupling 90 allows the laser module 60 to be movedangularly with respect to the housing 30 and laser cover 120, withoutrequiring longitudinal or axial movement. Further, as the interferencefits are without adhesives and the engagement of the laser cover andhousing is set by the stop surfaces, the movement of the laser module 60by the alignment pins 32, 34 is limited to angular movement and does notresult in misaligning axial or longitudinal movement.

The housing 30 is then engaged with the firearm 10, and depending on thedesired sighting in of the user, the laser module 60 can be furtheraligned by the alignment pins 32, 34.

The bias of the spring 140 and the coupling 90 along with the alignmentpins 32, 34 act on the laser module 60 and tend to retain the lasermodule in a given position. Thus, once the alignment pins 32, 34 arethreaded to the desired alignment of the laser module 60, the pinsremain operably fixed relative to the housing 30 until acted upon by adriver, such as an Allen wrench or a screw driver.

Thus, the alignment pins 32, 34 can change the angular position thelaser module 60 relative to the housing 30 and hence firearm 10 toprovide the desired alignment position, such as the laser beamcoinciding with a point of impact of a projectile fired from the firearmat a desired or predetermined distance.

Although the description has set forth the laser cover 120 as a separatecomponent from the remaining housing half 30 b, it is understood thestructure and functionality of the laser cover can be incorporated intothe housing 30, such as in the second housing half. Thus, the secondhousing half could engage the first housing half and form the recitedinterference fits and position the laser module 60 in the predeterminednon aligned position.

For purposes of the present disclosure and appended claims, the phrase“connected to” shall denote a connection between two objects eitherdirectly or through some intermediate object or member.

For purposes of the present disclosure and appended claims, theconjunction “or” is to be construed inclusively (e.g., “a bear or a pig”would be interpreted as “a bear, or a pig, or both”; e.g., “a bear, apig, or a mouse” would be interpreted as “a bear, or a pig, or a mouse,or any two, or all three”), unless: i) it is explicitly statedotherwise, e.g., by use of “either . . . or”, “only one of . . . ”, orsimilar language; or ii) two or more of the listed alternatives aremutually exclusive within the particular context, in which case “or”would encompass only those combinations involving non-mutually-exclusivealternatives.

For purposes of the present disclosure or appended claims, the words“comprise”, comprising”, “have”, “having”, “include”, “including”, andso on shall be construed as being open-ended, e.g., “including” shall beconstrued as “including but not limited to”.

The present system has been described in detail with particularreference to a presently preferred embodiment, but it will be understoodthat variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit andscope of the invention. The presently disclosed embodiments aretherefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and notrestrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appendedclaims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range ofequivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A laser sight for use with a firearmcomprising: a housing engageable to the firearm; a resilient couplingjoined to a laser, and; a laser cover engaging the housing to retrainthe resilient coupling with respect to the housing and the laser coverand forming an axial interference fit between the resilient coupling andat least one of the laser cover and the housing wherein the resilientcoupling is positioned in a longitudinal interference fit between afirst surface of a socket formed by the housing and the laser cover anda second surface of the socket that is longitudinally separated from thefirst surface of the socket.
 2. The laser sight of claim 1, wherein theresilient coupling has an uncompressed longitudinal length and the firstsurface and the second surface are separated at least in part by alongitudinal length that is less than the uncompressed longitudinallength of the resilient coupling.
 3. The laser sight of claim 1, whereinthe socket has an axial dimension that is smaller than an axialdimension of an uncompressed resilient coupling mounted to the laser. 4.The laser sight of claim 1, wherein the housing and laser cover areassembled using a stop indicating assembly of the housing and the lasercover such that any deviation from nominal sizes of the laser andresilient coupling does not vary the engagement of the laser cover andthe housing.
 5. A method for forming a laser sight for a firearm, themethod comprising: fitting a resilient coupling about a laser module;engaging a laser cover with a housing to locate a portion of the lasermodule and the resilient coupling intermediate the laser cover and thehousing; and forming an axial interference fit between the resilientcoupling and at least one of the laser cover and the housing wherein theresilient coupling is positioned in a longitudinal interference fitbetween a first surface of a socket formed by the housing and the lasercover and a second surface of the socket that is longitudinallyseparated from the first surface of the socket.
 6. The method of claim5, wherein the resilient coupling has an uncompressed longitudinallength and the first surface and the second surface are separated atleast in part by a longitudinal length that is less than theuncompressed longitudinal length of the resilient coupling and whereinthe step of engaging a laser cover with a housing to locate a portion ofthe laser module and the resilient coupling intermediate the laser coverand the housing and forming an interference fit between the resilientcoupling and at least one of the laser cover in the housing comprisescompressing the resilient coupling along the longitudinal lengththereof.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the socket is sized to form aportion of the axial interference fit with the coupling and alongitudinal interference fit with the coupling.
 8. The method of claim5, wherein the socket has an axial dimension that is smaller than anaxial dimension of an uncompressed resilient coupling mounted to thelaser.
 9. The method of claim 5, wherein the housing and laser cover areassembled using a stop indicating assembly of the housing and the lasercover such that any deviation from nominal sizes of the laser andresilient coupling does not vary the engagement of the laser cover andthe housing.